Barton: Strawberry fields forever

Eight years ago, I asked readers to email their thoughts to me about what they considered to be the “Seven Wonders of Savannah.”

The response was encouraging.

Except for a few smart alecks who nominated Pete Liakakis’ hair and that large pond off I-516 that gets covered in green goop every summer, most of the several hundred respondents stuck to the script. They submitted 84 solid suggestions. Savannah’s one-of-a-kind downtown squares led the field. No surprise there. These green, leafy emeralds anchor the Historic District, give the city character and provide great spots for important pursuits like people-watching and snoozing.

Forsyth Park came in second place. That hardly raises an eyebrow either. But the third-highest vote-getter did — or, at least it raised mine: The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens.

Say what?

Actually, the Bamboo Farm was an excellent pick. This 50-acre place really is a wonder. This former living laboratory operated by the federal government, and now owned by the University of Georgia, is home to the largest and most diverse bamboo groves (more than 140 varieties) in North America. It’s literally the garden spot for bamboo this side of Shanghai — a showroom of shoots.

Also on display are exotic palms, irises, perennials and a display of rare camillias said to be largest outside China, too. (I’m not sure how these sorts of claims are verified, but bamboo and camillia people must have their ways.)

But because this zoo for plants is located off the beaten tourist path — it’s on U.S. 17 about 10 miles southeast of downtown, and about a mile past the Keller’s Flea Market cow — it doesn’t make as many itinerary lists as it should.

That’s a pity. Fortunately, the Friends of Coastal Gardens is turning things around. The local philanthropic organization has been polishing this gem-in-the-rough, officially known since last year as the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. And infrequent visitors can tell. The place seems a bit spiffier with each new visit (free during business hours). And the special events are especially tasteful — literally.

On Sunday, April 28, the group is hosting its annual Sunday Supper in the Strawberry Patch from 5-7 p.m. This traditional meal features the last of the farm’s spring strawberry harvest for dessert.

To be honest, my momma made the best strawberry shortcake. But she also lives one state away and doesn’t deliver, even if I promise an extra big tip. So the Sunday Supper is the next best thing.

Tickets are $25. In addition to walking away with full stomachs, diners will have the satisfaction of supporting a facility that’s as one-of-a-kind as Savannah’s squares. That allows Friends to move forward with other projects envisioned in a 2004 master plan, so this nearly century-old wonder can continue — if not forever, then for a long time. Berry nice.